We’re celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 this week by showcasing outstanding women who are helping to shape Australia’s geospatial sector.
In this interview we speak with Laura Brindle, Satellite Operations and Data Manager with the CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation.
Spatial Source: Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
Laura Brindle: I oversee operations at the CSIRO NovaSAR-1 National Facility, which encompasses evaluating user requests, tasking the satellite images, overseeing data retrieval and ensuring accurate processing and distribution. Additionally, I handle administrative duties such as contract negotiations, website updates and addressing user enquiries.
We are soon to release Committee on Earth Observation Satellites – Analysis Ready Data (CEOS-ARD) Normalised Radar Backscatter (NRB) v5.5 compliant NovaSAR-1 ARD products. This endeavour has been significant, aimed at enhancing data usability and interoperability for users while reducing processing times.
SS: How did you get into this field, and what attracted you to it?
LB: I completed an MSc in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Management, which provided me with an introduction to earth observation (EO) and geographical information systems (GIS), showcasing their applications in assessing and analysing the world. Fascinated by the vast number of applications of EO data, I was determined to pursue a career in the field.
My professional journey began as an image processing assistant at DMCii, a subsidiary of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd which later merged with Airbus UK. Here, I initially focused on tasks such as orthorectification, cloud-masking and image mosaicking. Progressing from there, I advanced to coordinating the DMC constellation satellites and the ESA satellite CHRIS PROBA-1 to support customer projects. Additionally, I assumed the role of an emergency on-call officer for The International Charter Space and Major Disasters, an experience I cherished as it underscored the impact of my work.
SS: What do you enjoy most about your job?
LB: I remain captivated by the diverse applications of EO data. NovaSAR-1 data, for instance, has been utilised across various domains, ranging from flood and bushfire monitoring to iceberg tracking and ship detection. It also contributes to land-use analysis and vegetation monitoring and the decarbonisation efforts of rice paddies.
I appreciate CSIRO’s commitment to making data freely accessible, eliminating financial barriers for students and researchers. This enables them to concentrate on scientific innovation without concerns about budgetary constraints.
SS: Are there any personal qualities or attributes that are helpful to have in this field?
LB: Thriving under pressure and adapting swiftly have proven crucial, particularly in environments where priorities shift frequently. During my time on call 24/7, especially in disaster response scenarios, these abilities were essential. Additionally, logical thinking and meticulous attention to detail have been vital in developing workflows, formulating satellite tasking strategies and overseeing comprehensive databases of image products.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of EO and space industries, networking with professionals across various fields is also beneficial.
SS: As a woman, have you had any struggles during your career? Conversely, have you had support?
LB: I have been lucky and had nothing but support in my career. At DMCii my team was predominately women and even after the merger with Airbus UK, where the environment was more male dominated, there were still numerous women occupying leadership positions. During this period, I successfully completed the Airbus ILM certified Management Development Program alongside several other women.
Since joining CSIRO, I have been fortunate to work with several high-achieving women who have given every support and encouraged me to thrive.
